Hiro

One of the most exclusive venues that draws Manhattan elites and socialites, the Maritime Hotel's late-night lounge beautifully weaves its Japanese theme into a worldly atmosphere. Warm paper lanterns, curved dark wood ceiling beams and sleek red cushions--shaped into slender, U-shaped banks for groups--ensconce a sexy crowd that's mostly straight, but integrated with gay men from the neighborhood. DJs amp up the energy with rock remixes, forgotten '80s tunes, hip-hop and electronica. Japanese ingredients figure prominently on the drink list, which includes seven sakes by the glass and 12 by the bottle, as well as potent shochu, awamori and more familiar spirits. Among the cocktails, the appealing 3 Monks, a blend of three sakes, amaretto and orange juice, tastes like an almond cookie, while the lemony Sakenade Ginger has uneven bitter and sweet notes. However, as the evening wears on, creative cocktails are far from the minds of most of the see-and-be-seen revelers. (Source: Citysearch.com)